SUVs are more popular every year, and Kia has four of JD Power’s best.

SUVs are more popular every year, and Kia has four of JD Power’s best.

Consumer demand for the versatility and performance of an SUV continues to drive sales to greater levels every year…and we have some of the best of those multi-talented vehicles.

Really? Absolutely. The new Rankings from J.D. Power & Associates are out, and Kia Sorento once again is Highest-Ranked Midsize SUV in Initial Quality*. That’s twice in three years.

The new Kia Niro is Highest-Ranked Small SUV in Initial Quality*, with Kia Sportage right behind it at #2.

Kia Soul repeats as Highest-Ranked Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle in Initial Quality*, extending its winning streak to three years.

But why the overall increase in SUV sales? Higher seating position, higher ground clearance, off-road capabilities, and declining fuel prices all contribute to the growing numbers. Creative designs, increased technology, safety features, and fuel economy are part of it, too. Not to mention room for more people and more stuff, clear necessities for both families and a busy urban lifestyle in general.

“We're adding more and more spice to our vehicles. A little bit more flavor is desired in this market. Younger buyers particularly are looking for something with more personality,” said one industry executive.

Also, automakers have made small crossovers so fuel efficient compared to midsize cars that the old worries about SUVs being gas-guzzlers bad for the planet are essentially gone. A new study by TrueCar.com finds tooling around in a small SUV is no longer that wasteful. The sales-weighted fuel economy average is only 2 miles per gallon apart (26.83 mpg SUV vs. 28.84 mpg sedan). SUV owners typically will pay only an additional $3 per tankful to fill up their SUV compared to a sedan.

In the first quarter of this year, US sales in the Compact SUV segment picked up steam and improved 9% to 742,230 units. This makes it by far the largest segment, holding a comfortable lead of more than 200,000 sales over the second-largest segment, large pickup trucks. It’s also 270,000 ahead of the midsized sedan segment that, until 2013, was the largest.

During our Summer SUV Clearance Event at Barnett, we’re making it very, very easy for you to drive one of these popular vehicles. For example, you can lease a 2017 Kia Sportage LX for 24 months for only $129 a month**, or a 2107 Kia Sorento LX for 24 months for just $149 a month**.

And remember, every new vehicle purchased comes with Barnett’s exclusive—and FREE—MILLION MILE Warranty. Ask your sales associate for all the details on that, too. Come see us soon at Barnett Kia on Highway 61 in White Bear Lake!

*2017 study based on 77,419 total responses, evaluating 189 models, and measures the opinions of new 2017 vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership, surveyed in February-May 2017. Winning vehicles received lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles reflecting higher quality among vehicles in their respective classifications/categories in the J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Studies during years referenced. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com/cars.

**$2,999 Cap Cost Reduction plus first month’s payment, tax, title, license, and fees. 12,000 miles per year. Security deposit waived. Includes all available rebates to dealer. For qualified leases. Lease from Kia Motors Finance on approved credit. Does not include military or college grad discounts. Must take delivery from retail stock by 9/5/17.